Humanitarian Affairs Officer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs • New York, NY

454d

About The Position

The Humanitarian Affairs Officer position at UN OCHA is responsible for monitoring and analyzing humanitarian developments and coordinating international humanitarian assistance in emergency situations. The role involves collaboration with various humanitarian actors to ensure effective response efforts, policy development, and the production of reports and appeals for assistance. The officer will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director and will engage with government officials, NGOs, and other stakeholders to facilitate humanitarian action and advocate for the rights of people in need.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, engineering, earth sciences or a related field is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis/emergency relief management, rehabilitation, development, or other related area is required.
• Experience in producing analysis and drafting documents to support engagement in intergovernmental forums is required.
• Humanitarian experience in the field in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or in a comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the Latin America and the Caribbean region is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required; knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of humanitarian principles and emergency relief assistance.
• Experience in policy development and interagency coordination.

Responsibilities

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on humanitarian developments, disaster relief/management or emergency situations in assigned country/area.
• Organizes and prepares studies on humanitarian, emergency relief and related issues; organizes follow-up work, including interagency technical review meetings to support policy development work and decision-making on important issues.
• Participates in large, complex projects, including disaster assessment or other missions; assists in the coordination of international humanitarian/emergency assistance for complex emergency/disaster situations.
• Drafts situation reports to the international community, apprising of the situation to date and specifying unmet requirements of stricken countries.
• Partners with other humanitarian agencies to plan and evaluate humanitarian and emergency assistance programmes, ensuring incorporation of latest findings and gender-related considerations.
• Assists in the production of appeals for international assistance; ensures proper use and spending of donor contributions channeled through OCHA.
• Establishes and maintains contacts with government officials, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, diplomatic missions, media, etc.
• Undertakes and provides support to technical assistance and other field missions, including field trips to review specific country coordination mechanisms.
• Prepares or contributes to the preparation of various written reports, documents and communications, including drafts of studies, background papers, policy guidelines, and presentations.
• Serves as the primary focal point on specific topics or policy-related issues; provides information and advice on a range of related issues.
• Reviews and provides advice on policy issues related to safeguarding humanitarian principles and ensuring effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.
• Organizes and participates in work groups, meetings, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners on humanitarian and emergency relief-related matters.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, new/junior staff.
• Performs other duties as required.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work in a prestigious international organization.
• Exposure to global humanitarian issues and networking with various stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree